Via ferrata and short hike Caspoggio

The Vigneron Via Ferrata in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, Sondrio) is an athletic, vertical and exposed via ferrata but without particular technical difficulties. The route climbs long vertical slabs abundantly equipped with footholds and a very tight cable. Given the low altitude, it can be done practically all year round except in the cold winter months. The via ferrata stays in the shade in the morning and generally receives little sun in the winter months. Caution in winter for possible ice on the return path.

Via ferrata: It starts with a stepping wall, almost vertical, which near the end slopes a few meters to the left. Then a small wall of a few meters leads to the large ledge found at the end of the first part of the via ferrata.

An easy equipped traverse to the left (north) along the edge of the ledge leads to the second section of the via ferrata. This section is longer than the first and starts with rock steps alternating vertical sections with others more slabby, leading to an almost vertical ramp. A short traverse leads to a passage between an edge and a dihedral, quite exposed but spectacular: behind you can enjoy a contrasting view with the wonderful village of Primolo. The via ferrata follows for a few dozen meters traversing a slabby rock edge.

Next is the most vertical part of the via ferrata, the Old England wall, located to the left of the via ferrata. An old climbing sector with recently restored routes. The beginning of this wall overhangs for a few meters and requires a short, somewhat athletic and exposed move. After that, the wall continues vertically for a few dozen meters.

At its end, the via ferrata slopes to the left (north) and with easy ledges leads to the short but beautiful Tibetan bridge. The bridge is about 12 meters long and ends with a short vertical and very exposed wall that you must climb vertically for a couple of meters and then bypass to the left on a beautiful and exposed ridge (wonderful backdrop of the village of Chiesa Valmalenco and the San Giuseppe valley). After overcoming this ridge for about ten meters, you reach a comfortable ledge. For those wanting to avoid the Tibetan bridge, there is a section of the via ferrata that bypasses it continuing to the right on the ledge for an easy and slabby path.

From here, the via ferrata continues with another beautiful and long wall, vertical in some points, which slopes at times toward the left. At this point, the via ferrata is well exposed both on the rock structure base and on the towns of Valmalenco. At the end of this wall the via ferrata eases and becomes easier and slabby. Besides the satisfaction of the climb, from here you suddenly enjoy a wonderful view of Pizzo Scalino first and then of the village of Caspoggio. Here, although easy, the route continues with the lifeline along a equipped trail leading to the end (1h 45' from the start - about 2h total)